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External Communications Executive Jobs in Bothell, WA

You will lead internal and external communications, executive engagement, events, and social strategies, while helping establish a cohesive voice and identity for a growing organization. Success in ...

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External Communications Executive information

See Bothell, WA salary details

$47K

$98K

$163.8K

How much do external communications executive jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for external communications executive in Bothell, WA is $97,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,300.00 and $129,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an external communications executive do?

An External Communications Executive is responsible for managing a company’s communication with audiences outside the organization, such as the media, customers, partners, and the public. Their duties typically include preparing press releases, handling media inquiries, organizing events, and developing strategies to enhance the company's image and reputation. They work closely with marketing and public relations teams to ensure consistent messaging and to build strong relationships with external stakeholders.

How does an external communications executive typically collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging?

As an External Communications Executive, close collaboration with internal departments such as marketing, public relations, and senior leadership is essential to maintain consistent and aligned messaging. You’ll often participate in cross-functional meetings, review internal updates, and coordinate campaigns to ensure public communications accurately reflect the company’s goals and values. This collaborative approach helps anticipate potential issues, align strategies, and present a unified brand voice across all external channels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an external communications executive, and why are they important?

To thrive as an External Communications Executive, you need expertise in public relations, media strategy, and brand messaging, usually backed by a degree in communications, PR, or a related field. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, press release distribution platforms, and content management systems is typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, relationship-building, and crisis management skills set top candidates apart. These abilities are vital for shaping public perception, managing organizational reputation, and ensuring consistent, effective communication with external stakeholders.

What is the difference between External Communications Executive vs Public Relations Specialist?

AspectExternal Communications ExecutivePublic Relations Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field; relevant certificationsBachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field; certifications like APR
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, PR agencies, media firmsPR agencies, corporate communications departments
Employer & Industry UsageBusinesses, corporations, government agenciesPR firms, non-profits, corporate sectors
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in responsibilities and skillsSimilar roles with a focus on media relations and reputation management

External Communications Executives and Public Relations Specialists both handle media relations, messaging, and reputation management. The main difference lies in scope and seniority, with External Communications Executives often holding more strategic roles within organizations, while Public Relations Specialists focus on executing specific campaigns and media outreach.

Director, Executive Communications & Customer/Partner Engagement

Microsoft

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Microsoft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 246 rated software companies


Job description

Overview
Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As AI reshapes how the world builds, ships, and runs software, the clarity of our technology leaders' voices and the strength of their relationships with customers and partners matter more than ever. The Chief Technology and AI Officer Executive Office is seeking a Director, Executive Communications & Customer/Partner Engagement to serve as the strategic communications and engagement partner to the Chief Technology and AI Officer. The role will support the Chief Technology and AI Officer directly and report into the Chief Technology and AI Officer Executive Office.
Microsoft's Chief Technology & AI Officer organization is building the technology foundation for an AI-first Microsoft. Bringing together enterprise systems, workplace technology, engineering, data, and AI capabilities in one team, this organization is transforming how Microsoft operates, innovates, and scales as Customer Zero. The Chief Technology & AI Officer Executive Office is seeking a Director, Executive Communications & Customer/Partner Engagement to help shape this transformation and amplify its impact across employees, customers, partners, and the industry.
This is a high-visibility role supporting the Chief Technology and AI Officer that combines two closely related disciplines: owning the Chief Technology and AI Officer executive narrative end to end, including shaping the point of view, writing the words, producing key moments, and coaching the Chief Technology and AI Officer, and orchestrating the Chief Technology and AI Officer's most important customer, partner, and field engagements. The focus is the Chief Technology and AI Officer's internal and external presence, leadership priorities, and strategic engagements. Technical curiosity is essential; the successful candidate will be energized by working at the frontier of AI and able to translate complex topics into stories and engagements that resonate.
Note: This role supports the Chief Technology and AI Officer directly and reports into the Chief Technology and AI Officer Executive Office. Workloads will vary with business priorities, event cycles, and leadership needs.
Responsibilities
Executive Communications Strategy & Narrative
  • Lead executive communications strategy and planning for the Chief Technology and AI Officer.

  • Translate complex technology strategy, product roadmaps, and AI priorities into clear, differentiated stories, and maintain a communications platform that defines the Chief Technology and AI Officer's voice, tone, and narrative priorities.

  • Own and manage the Chief Technology and AI Officer communications editorial calendar, ensuring message consistency and appropriate prioritization across channels.

Internal Communications & Signature Moments
  • Lead strategy and execution for Chief Technology and AI Officer internal communications, including All Hands, town halls, Viva Engage and Teams posts, organization-wide emails, and leadership messaging.

  • Own end-to-end development of the Chief Technology and AI Officer Executive Office's major internal moments, from concept and outline through final script, run-of-show, and post-event measurement.

  • Partner with the Chief Technology and AI Officer, Chief of Staff and HR communications on organization-shaping moments such as reorganizations, leadership changes, and milestone announcements.

External Communications & Executive Presence
  • Lead external communications for the Chief Technology and AI Officer across blogs, op-eds, LinkedIn, and social channels, in partnership with Product Marketing and Public Relations.

  • Support signature external moments such as Microsoft Build, Ignite, and customer and partner summits, including keynote narratives, briefing decks, message maps, and Q&A preparation for the Chief Technology and AI Officer and priority leadership engagements.

  • Shape a consistent, authentic Chief Technology and AI Officer executive presence that drives engagement and strengthens the organization's reputation across channels.

Customer & Partner Engagement
  • Proactively plan and manage the Chief Technology and AI Officer's engagement with customers and partners, aligned to Chief Technology and AI Officer priorities, goals, and objectives, and maximize impact during domestic and international travel.

  • Run and triage intake for Chief Technology and AI Officer executive customer engagement requests from the field, and coordinate escalations to closure by engaging the right owners and subject-matter experts.

  • Plan and support Chief Technology and AI Officer customer and partner visits to the Microsoft Executive Briefing Center, ensuring engagements are appropriately leveled and supported with the right content and insights.

  • Coach account teams on Chief Technology and AI Officer executive engagement strategy, and act as a single point of contact aligning local teams, stakeholders, and Executive Offices from planning through follow-up.

Executive Prep, Coaching & Content
  • Serve as the Chief Technology and AI Officer's primary speech and presence coach, running rehearsals, giving direct feedback, and building the briefing discipline that ensures the Chief Technology and AI Officer and supported leaders enter every moment fully prepared.

  • Own creation of Chief Technology and AI Officer executive content, including scripts, talk tracks, decks, videos, and social amplification plans that carry the Chief Technology and AI Officer's voice with predictable frequency.

  • Anticipate and prepare for tough questions with crisp, on-strategy responses.

Operating Rhythm, Measurement & Impact
  • Define success criteria and performance metrics, such as OKRs and KPIs for reach, impact, effectiveness, and customer feedback, and run regular rhythms for the Chief Technology and AI Officer Executive Office to monitor what is working and continuously improve.

  • Leverage business reviews and engagement data to drive strategic decisions with stakeholders and report on the effectiveness of Chief Technology and AI Officer communications and engagement to refine strategy over time.

Qualifications
Required / Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field AND 6+ years communications, marketing operations, field operations, program management, project management, or related experience OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Communications, or related field AND 8+ years of experience in executive communications, customer or partner engagement, marketing, or business program management in cloud, AI, or enterprise technology; OR equivalent experience.

  • Experience partnering directly with, and managing engagements for, senior executives at the CVP level and above, and influence with judgment and credibility.

  • Experience developing technically accurate points of view and translate them into executive-level communications for engineering and AI audiences.

  • Executive content skills, including business and creative writing, executive PowerPoint development, and executive-level narratives, with experience using AI as a creative and editing tool.

  • Communication tools and channels, including Microsoft 365 applications, publishing and social platforms, and the experience providing a portfolio of work for review.

Communications IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $130,900 - $251,900 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $165,600 - $272,300 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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About Microsoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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